Context:
With the Maoist insurgency significantly weakened, the focus has shifted to development, governance, and justice delivery in the former Red Corridor regions to ensure long-term stability.
Key Highlights:
Security Developments
- Maoist insurgency, originating from Naxalbari (1967), has declined sharply.
- Red Corridor now reportedly limited to just two districts.
- Increase in:
- Arrests
- Surrenders
- Neutralization of extremists
Policy Approach
- Shift from purely security-centric approach to security + development model.
- Focus on:
- Infrastructure development
- Welfare schemes
- Governance penetration
Root Causes of Insurgency
- Historical state neglect in tribal and remote regions.
- Lack of:
- Basic services
- Land rights protection
- Livelihood opportunities
- Maoists created parallel governance systems:
- Levy collection
- Informal justice mechanisms
Persisting Challenges
- Uneven development across regions.
- Issues of:
- Land acquisition conflicts
- Environmental degradation
- Displacement of tribal communities
- Risk of reemergence of unrest if grievances persist.
Significance
- Opportunity to consolidate internal security gains.
- Critical phase to ensure inclusive development.
- Strengthens state legitimacy in vulnerable regions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Red Corridor
- Region affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) across central-eastern India.
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
- Ideology advocating revolutionary overthrow of state structures.
- Naxalbari Movement (1967)
- Origin of Maoist insurgency in India (West Bengal).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Transfers subsidies directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- Key affected states historically: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Internal Security Perspective
- Success of coordinated security operations (SAMADHAN doctrine, intelligence sharing).
- Reduction in violence reflects effective counter-insurgency strategy.
- Governance Deficit
- Insurgency rooted in developmental exclusion and weak state presence.
- Need for last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
- Tribal & Social Justice Issues
- Land alienation and displacement remain critical concerns.
- Importance of implementing:
- Forest Rights Act (FRA)
- PESA Act
- Development-Security Nexus
- Sustainable peace requires inclusive growth + justice delivery.
- Infrastructure (roads, telecom) improves state reach and economic integration.
Way Forward
- Strengthen grassroots governance and Panchayati Raj institutions.
- Ensure land and forest rights protection.
- Promote livelihood opportunities and skill development.
- Enhance community participation in development planning.
- Maintain security vigilance alongside development efforts.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 3: Internal Security
- GS Paper 1: Post-Independence movements
- GS Paper 2: Governance, tribal welfare